The partnership between Total People and Manchester City Council and Manchester Life Development Company offered apprentices in the construction industry the chance to contribute to some of the most high-profile construction projects in the Greater Manchester region. The participants in the scheme will gain a Construction and Building Services Management Level 4 NVQ and a HNC qualification, while gaining valuable industry experience. The M Futures programme will hold positions such as Developer, Designer, Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Contractor’s Team, Speciality Local Authority, and Consultancy for the apprentices. They will learn about briefing, design preparation, project management, planning and application, surveying, procurement of contractors, and the finishing stage of construction. “There are no fees, loans or debts on an Apprenticeship programme, and apprentices will earn a salary of £15,000, rising in-line with age related and performance pay structures. On completion, they can make over £20,000 and potentially obtain company sponsorship to complete a degree in their chosen pathway,” said Linda Dean, Managing Director at Total People. The programme includes the ‘Our Town Hall’ project which aims to redevelop the Manchester Town Hall. It will safeguard, repair, and partially restore the 140 years old building, which has started to show its age with many elements reaching the end of their natural lifespans. “Those who join M Futures will benefit from a fast-track route into paid work, resulting in academic qualifications which will open doors to a wide range of jobs in the future – while also gaining the opportunity to contribute to major schemes like the once-in- a-lifetime Our Town Hall project,” said Councillor Angeliki Stogia, Executive Member for the Environment and Skills.The project is open to those aged 18+ that hold a GCSE in English and Maths grade C or above, and a Level 3 qualification or A-level in a relevant subject area. The closing date for applications is the 22nd of April 2018.